The Massive Wildfire That Burnt Down Bandipur Tiger Reserve Was Ignited By Shepherds To Keep Tigers Away

A thoughtless act unaware of its consequences could have triggered the wildfire in Karantaka's Bandipur Tiger Reserve that turned thousands of acres of forest land into ashes.

Forest officials in Karnataka have arrested two shepherds for allegedly setting fire to the forest.

The two men, 70-year-old Hanumanthaiah and 60-year-old Gopalaiah allegedly began the fire to chase away a tiger which was spotted in the area a few days ago.

According to officials, the duo are shepherds and live in the fringes of the tiger reserve.?

Principal chief conservator of forests, Punati Sridhar said the two men who owned? nearly hundred sheeps which they graze daily in an open area which is close to the forest were angry over officials not allowing shepherds and their cattle inside the park.

The duo have reportedly admitted of litting the fire that then went out of control and was only put out after five days.??

BCCL

Another local, identified as Arun Kumar was also arrested by the Karnataka Forest Department of Friday.

He is accused of igniting one of the five fires on February 22, but so far has maintained his innocence.

The fire that engulfed the Bandipur Tiger Reserve raged for five days, due to strong winds? before it was finally put out on February 26. By then an estimated 500 hectares of land had been burned down.

BCCL

It was brought under control by the joint efforts of Indian Air Force,Fire brigade, forest guards and local? volunteers.?

Right from the beginning forest officials and environmentalist had been hinting at possible sabotage as the reason for the fire.